Proceedings of the Untangled symposium: - WSPA

2Executive summaryThe issueMarine debris (also known as marine litter) is a trulyglobal problem gaining increasing attention and concernaround the world. Perhaps more commonly described asan environmental issue, the littering of our oceans alsohas disastrous consequences for the individual animalsliving there, debilitating, mutilating and killing millions ofbirds, whales, dolphins, turtles and other marine wildlifeevery year.Defined by the Honolulu Strategy as ‘any anthropogenic,manufactured, or processed solid material (regardlessof size) discarded, disposed of, or abandoned thatends up in the marine environment’ 1 , marine debriscan describe items as small as micro-plastic granulesor as large as shipping containers. From the scientificand grey literature summarised in WSPA’s Untangledreport (2012), it is clear that certain types of marinedebris cause significant welfare problems for marineanimals. Fishing rope, nets and line, packing bandsand straps and plastic packaging can all entangleanimals, causing a range of problems including injuryand restricted movement and reduced feeding ability.These problems may persist for months or even years,in many cases eventually causing death due to infection,drowning or starvation. Other types of litter, suchas plastic bags and cigarette lighters, are ingested,suffocating animals, preventing them from feedingand causing internal injuries. This animal suffering issignificant, large-scale and avoidable.WSPA is developing a global campaign which aims tomake the oceans a safer home for animals – one in whichthey are no longer at risk of being killed or injured byour dangerous debris. At a time when the environmentalimpacts of marine debris are gaining increasing globalinterest, WSPA believes it is also important to bringanimal welfare to the forefront of solution-focuseddiscussions. This goal was a primary motivation behindholding the symposium, providing its theme.1 A global framework for the prevention and management of marine debris,United Nations Environment Programme and National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration of the United States. http://5imdc.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/honolulustrategy.pdf(accessed February 2013).The symposiumUntangled brought together over 60 experts from a rangeof backgrounds. The rich diversity of delegates meantthat knowledge and experience was shared acrossregions, cultures and sectors, resulting in an impressivedegree of information exchange from many perspectives.The symposium hosted posters and ‘lightning talk’presentations by 40 experts. The talks highlighted veryclearly the magnitude, global scope and complexitiesof the marine debris problem and the threat it poses tothe welfare of animals. Through presentations under thethemes of (1) reducing debris, (2) removing debris and(3) rescuing animals caught in debris, delegates learnedabout the animal welfare impacts of different types ofmarine debris and the solutions being implemented insome parts of the world.In group sessions delegates were able to define priorityproblems (Annex 2), focusing on fishing-related debris,consumer/packaging-related debris, and rescue efforts.In further group sessions delegates then discussedand presented solutions (Annex 2), many of whichwere based on effective work already underway insome countries. Delegates with a scientific backgroundensured that discussions were scientifically robust,while delegates working at a policy level were able tohighlight the challenges presented by implementingpolicy changes on such a complex issue, but were alsoable to provide examples of policy changes already inplace and case studies of success. Representatives ofkey industries such as plastics and fishing were ableto convey both positive and realistic feedback to someof the solutions that were suggested, as well as sharesome of the solutions that these industries are alreadysupporting. Delegates with rescue response experienceshared the unique challenges they face, some practicaland pragmatic solutions and the successes that theyhave had.Delegates approached the workshops and discussionswith optimism and energy, united by a sense of hopethat with co-ordinated action this problem can be solved.While knowledge gaps exist for some of the issuesthere was a clear determination that the internationalcommunity and all relevant stakeholders must takeresponsibility and urgent action. Some common themeswere apparent throughout all of the issues discussed,including the need for greater political and industry6